Cottage & Lakefront Living Show

The fifth annual Cottage & Lakefront Living Show returns to the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi Thursday, Feb. 23 and runs through Sunday, Feb. 26 with a plethora of exhibits, experts and special features for cottage, lakefront property and vacation homeowners or those looking to buy, build or rent.

“Rustic, artistic furniture and log, timber frame and cedar homes will be on display,” said Mike Wilbraham, show producer of ShowSpan, Inc. “Information on architects, homebuilders, realtors, lakeshore maintenance and outdoor recreational equipment will be available.”

The Log and Timber Frame Showcase will include how a cabin is put together, floor plans, profiles, roof options, log species, cedar siding, full logs, post and beam and do-it-yourself or contractor built home packages. Builders, contractors and architects will be available for scheduled private consultations through the show’s website. Seminars on planning and building timber frame homes and buying and selling waterfront property will take place during the show.

Sharing and keeping the cottage in the family for use currently and for future generations, environmentally sensitive lake practices, birds of prey, nature photography, hobbies and other ways to enjoy your cottage more will be explained by the Cottage Living Stage experts.

Michigan artists at the Cottage Fine Art Show will present wildlife photography, Great Lakes and Michigan inland lakes steel silhouettes, Petoskey stone art, jewelry and custom woodcarvings for sale. Decorative accessories, Michigan lakes aerial photography and food items from fudge to cherry products will be available for purchase at the Lakefront Marketplace.

Handcrafted building techniques of a stand up paddleboard will be demonstrated and displayed by DreamCatcher BoatWorks of Grand Rapids, Mich.

Sand Pirate Janet Schrader of Fairy Godmother Services in Lakeside, MI. will share the secrets of sand as she builds a giant medieval sandcastle, teaching how to make towers, doors, windows and stairs and hosting a sandcastle contest.

The Beach, a giant sandbox complete with sand and carving tools for creative building by children and adults, will allow you to join the fun and turn a pile of sand into a sand sculpture. Children will have the opportunity to climb on inflatables and a portable climbing tower at the Cran-Hill Family Zone. Fishing will be available at the Live Trout Pond that is fully stocked by Michigan B.A.S.S. Federation Clubs.

Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership will provide informal advice and educational materials from Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Lake & Stream Association and other agencies, organizations, contractors and landscape professionals on shoreline construction projects and natural shoreline landscaping that benefit lake ecosystems and protect Michigan’s inland lakes.

Cottage Living Center will provide the opportunity to relax and work on a community puzzle, put a pin in an oversized Michigan map to show where cottages are located or read a book selected from the 2012 Essential Cottage Reading List provided by Horizon Books of Traverse City. Patrons are able to post a cottage for sale or rent on our Community Cottage Available Board.

The Water & Woods Photo Contest Display will allow you to vote for the best photo that depicts cottage and lakefront living traditions.

Ideas to increase your outdoor living space are incorporated in the landscape displays that include wooden cabins, fireplaces, cooking options, patios, decks and gardening products.

Other exhibits include log, timber frame and cedar homes, cottage rental, architects, cottage furnishings, lakefront homebuilders and realtors, lakeshore maintenance, boats and docks, outdoor recreational equipment, non-profit environmental organizations, government agencies, financing and other products and services.

Experts throughout the show will provide tips, advice and knowledge on purchasing, planning, maintaining, financing and landscaping for spring, summer and year-round cottages and lakefront living.

Suburban Collection Showplace (formerly Rock Financial Showplace) is located at 46100 Grand River Ave. between Novi and Beck Road in Novi. Show hours are from 2 – 9:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $10; $4 for children 6-14 and children 5 and under admitted free. Discount coupons for $2 off Thursday or Friday adult admission are available at show’s website and participating Wendy’s restaurants. Free crossover admission from the Cottage & Lakefront Living Show to Outdoorama. On site parking is available for a fee.

Social networkers can follow the show on Twitter http://twitter.com/novicottageshow or become a fan on Facebook http://NoviCottageShow.com/Facebook. For more information, visit www.NoviCottageShow.com or call 800-328-6550.